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HYPERTENSION AND DIABETES: UNDERSTANDING The SILENT KILLERS

INTRODUCTION

Have you ever checked your blood pressure or blood sugar and wondered what those numbers mean? Many people walk around every day with high blood pressure (hypertension) or high blood sugar (diabetes) without even realizing it. These two conditions are often called “silent killers” because they can damage your body for years before you notice symptoms.

The good news? They can be managed! In this blog, we’ll break down the causes, symptoms, and best ways to control hypertension and diabetes in a simple, practical way.

WHAT CAUSES HYPERTENSION AND DIABETES?

1. What Causes High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)?

Think of your blood vessels as pipes. When there’s too much pressure inside them, it strains your heart and arteries. Some common reasons for this include:

- Too much salt – It makes your body hold onto extra water, increasing pressure.

- Lack of exercise – Your heart gets weaker and has to work harder.

- Being overweight – More weight means more strain on your blood vessels.

- Stress – When you’re always worried, your body stays in “fight mode,” raising blood pressure.

- Family history – If your parents or grandparents had hypertension, you might be at risk.

- Smoking & alcohol– They damage blood vessels, making it harder for blood to flow.

2. What Causes High Blood Sugar (Diabetes)?

Diabetes happens when your body either doesn’t make enough insulin (the hormone that controls blood sugar) or doesn’t use it properly. The common causes include:

- Eating too much sugar or processed food – This can make your body resistant to insulin.

- Being overweight – Fat affects how insulin works.

- Lack of physical activity – Your body doesn’t burn off sugar properly.

- Genetics – If diabetes runs in your family, you’re more likely to develop it.

- Chronic stress – Stress hormones can mess with blood sugar control.

HOW DO YOU KNOW If YOU HAVE HYPERTENSION OR DIABETES?

SYMPTOMS OF HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

Most people with high blood pressure feel nothing at all! That’s why it’s called the “silent killer.” But in some cases, you may experience:

✔️ Headaches

✔️ Dizziness

✔️ Blurred vision

✔️ Chest pain

✔️ Shortness of breath

SYMPTOMS OF HIGH BLOOD SUGAR (DIABETES)

Unlike high blood pressure, diabetes usually **gives some warning signs:

✔️ Feeling extremely thirsty all the time

✔️ Frequent urination (especially at night)

✔️ Feeling very hungry, even after eating

✔️ Blurry vision

✔️ Unexplained weight loss

✔️ Slow-healing wounds

If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to check your levels!

What Are Normal Blood Sugar and Blood Pressure Levels?

Normal blood sugar levels vary depending on the time of testing. Fasting blood sugar (measured in the morning before eating) should be between 4.0 to 5.6 mmol/L (70 to 99 mg/dL). After eating, blood sugar levels should stay below 7.8 mmol/L (140 mg/dL). A random blood sugar test taken at any time of the day should also be below 7.8 mmol/L (140 mg/dL).

For blood pressure, a healthy reading for most adults is around 120/80 mmHg. Blood pressure below 90/60 mmHg is considered low, while readings consistently above 130/80 mmHg may indicate hypertension. Children and teenagers tend to have slightly lower blood pressure, while older adults may have slightly higher readings.

Regular monitoring is essential to detect any abnormalities early and manage them effectively

When Should You Check Your Readings?

Best Time to Measure Blood Pressure

✔️ Morning (before breakfast) – To get a baseline reading.

✔️ Evening (before bed) – To compare morning and night levels.

✔️ After exercise or stress – To see how your body reacts.

✔️ Before medication – To monitor treatment effectiveness.

Best Time to Check Blood Sugar

✔️ Fasting (morning, before eating) – To see overnight sugar control.

✔️ Before meals – To determine a baseline level.

✔️ 2 hours after meals – To see how food affects sugar.

✔️ At bedtime – To check nighttime glucose levels.

How to Manage Hypertension and Diabetes

1. Lifestyle Changes

- 🥗 Eat a balanced diet– More fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.

- 🏃 Exercise regularly- At least 30 minutes of walking, jogging, or cycling daily.

- ⚖️ Maintain a healthy weight – Losing even a few kilos can help.

- 🧘 Manage stress- Try meditation, deep breathing, or yoga.

- 🚭 Quit smoking & limit alcohol – Both worsen BP and sugar levels.

2. Medications Used for Hypertension and Diabetes

Hypertension is commonly managed with medications such as diuretics, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, and calcium channel blockers. Diuretics like hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) help the body eliminate excess salt and water, reducing blood pressure. Beta-blockers such as atenolol and metoprolol slow the heart rate and decrease the force of heart contractions. ACE inhibitors, including lisinopril and enalapril, relax blood vessels, making it easier for the heart to pump blood. Calcium channel blockers like amlodipine and nifedipine help blood vessels relax and improve blood flow.

For diabetes, the most commonly prescribed medication is metformin (Glucophage), which improves the body's insulin sensitivity and reduces excess glucose production by the liver. In cases where insulin production is too low, insulin therapy may be required, with options like rapid-acting, long-acting, or intermediate insulin. Other oral medications include sulfonylureas, such as glibenclamide and gliclazide, which stimulate the pancreas to produce more insulin.

These medications are prescribed based on individual patient needs and should be taken under medical supervision. Regular monitoring helps determine if the treatment is effective.

How Do You Know If Treatment Is Working?

✔️ For Hypertension: Your BP readings are stable, and symptoms (like headaches) reduce.

✔️ For Diabetes: Your sugar levels remain normal, and symptoms (like thirst and fatigue) improve.

✔️ For Both: More energy, fewer complications, and better overall health.

Final Thoughts

Hypertension and diabetes don’t have to take over your life. The key is awareness and action. Get your levels checked regularly, make healthy lifestyle choices, and follow medical advice.

If you haven’t checked your blood pressure or blood sugar in a while, take a moment today. Your future self will thank you!